Our longtime client Bruce Mate has been involved in whale research for over 47 years, mostly at the Marine Mammal Institute in Newport. He’s served on the International Whaling Commission for over 30 years and was sent by Exxon to track whales in Siberia. Join him and his wife Mary Lou Mate on this wonderful cruise, which will also be a fundraiser for the MMI foundation and provide scholarships to students.

Call 503-224-0180 and ask for Barb or Racheal to secure your cabin today!

Thank you to all of our clients whose trips we’ve arranged these year; it was our pleasure to see that you enjoy the vacation you deserve. We hope that you made albums full of memories to treasure your whole lives. Some of our clients this year have been new, some we have serviced for the past 20 years. We take pride in providing the most special and informed travel arrangements for each and every one. Thank you, clients and subscribers to our blog, without you our business would not be possible.

This past year there have been a fair share of changes in the office. We saw long-time staff member Linda Fisher retire. Krista left for Arizona, and Racheal, Lori and Debbie joined us as new agents.

Our Agents embarked on a few trips this year, which we’re so excited to share with you. Christina and John led a group in Namibia. Barb visited the new locks at the Panama Canal. Pam dropped in on the islands of Malta. Nancy sailed with Viking Ocean, and Barb and Racheal with Un-Cruise Adventures to Baja California. Wailana moved to Stockholm, where she continues to work with our social media.

Next year we will celebrate our 40th birthday–quite an accomplishment! Mark the weekend of August 5-6, 2017 on your calendars, we’ll be planning a special Birthday party. We hope to see you there.

Ghostly elephant in Etosha National Park. As you can see, it’s very dry – they’re desperate for a good rainfall, which has not happened for a few years. The elephants rolling in the “white dust” appear ghostly.

Welcome back to Conscientious Traveler–our monthly series in which we showcase a fantastic travel organization that supports the environment and wildlife. This month is all about Bruce Mate!

Call to all Potential Sailors: Join Bruce Mate — February 24, 2018!

Every year, Oregon State University’s Marine Mammal Institute Director Bruce Mateand his wife Mary Lou lead a natural history trip down to Baja California. In 2018, he’s sailing back down to this area with UnCruise Adventures, joined by a team of interested individuals (such as yourself? read on!). Bruce has conducted marine mammal research since 1967, including determining the migration routes of sea lions along the west coast of the United States. He started in the Baja region with whale tagging work way back in 1979, and knows the area and its wildlife intimately.

So what makes 2018 so special?

YOU TOO can join Bruce Mate, whale expert, on that year’s annual sail down to Baja. Learn all about gray whales and whale sharks from one of the Pacific Northwest’s leading experts, all in the comfort and accessibility of a small cruise ship. We have fourteen open spaces left–can you fill one of them? Bring a friend or loved one, and fill two spaces!

We already have 34 passengers confirmed to join him–but we still have 14 open spaces left! That’s in a ship that carries a total of 84 passengers. Call us up to join this rare, once in a lifetime cruise! 503-224-1080 or email info@wittravel.com for the details. Check out the on sailing on UnCruise Adventure’s website.

Need to Hear a Firsthand Experience?

WIT Agents Barbara and Racheal are now cruising with Uncruise Adventures down in Baja. We’re super excited for them and happy to hear all about it when they get back!

Baja Caramba!

This week, WIT Agents Racheal & Barbara are going on an Uncruise Adventure to Baja. They’re joining UnCruise alumni for a week down to the Baja Peninsula to swim with the whale sharks and go island-hopping. The boat sails down to Mexico, cruising the Sea of Cortés UNESCO World Heritage Site. When they return, they’ll have to share their firsthand knowledge with you, our lovely clients, and give you pointers on what to expect on a cruise with reputable line UnCruise. We can’t wait to hear their stories!

The Sea of Cortés is a veritable natural aquarium. With bountiful marine life, from scores of dolphins and mobula rays, to sea lion pups and playful pelicans. If you’re lucky, you might even spot the august humpback whale. Dive into the thrill of exploration or relax on a warm beach. The coastline of Baja is bountiful with bird colonies, schools of dolphin and colorful reef fishes. Depending on the season you go, you’ll have the chance to see whale sharks in Bahía de La Paz (Nov to mid-Jan, Mar) or spot gray whales at Bahía Magdalena (mid-Jan to early-Mar).

Call your Willamette Intl Travel agent to find out more about UnCruise Adventures, what they offer and when. 503-224-0180 or email info@wittravel.com.

What is UnCruise?

UnCruise Adventures is a small ship experience devoted to sharing untraditional, intimate itineraries that really delve deep into the heart of a destination. Their cruises are a great opportunity for travelers who want to explore well-known places like Mexico, Oregon, Hawaii and Alaska in a different and new perspective. Read more about Uncruise Adventures, their history-packed Oregon cruise, and our Alaska trip report. Also be sure to check out the photos from our Clients’ the Dents, who sailed with UnCruise to Alaska.

PLUS! There are themed departures available on certain dates.

Birding: Renowned bird experts – on March 25.

Chairman’s Cruise: Sail with the leaders and owners of the UnCruise Adventures! – on Jan 7.

Marine Biology: Learn all about the amazing aquatic world beneath the waves on excursions and onboard lectures.– Jan 21, Feb 18, Mar 18.

Photography: Join NatGeo travel photographer Christopher Baker to capture perfect shots on the boat and in the field – on January 28.

We love UnCruise Adventures! Let us tell you why. Call us up for a chat at 503-224-0180 or email info@wittravel.com.

Yesterday the United States was glued to their screens as the XLVII Super Bowl raged on! Did your team win? Did you know that many tour operators can arrange custom packages for you during major events? From the Super Bowl to the World Cup, there is a variety of special sport events, festivals, and races around which we can design your travel! Our travel partners can arrange exclusive travel experiences during these major events, so you’re right in the action!

And remember: if you aren’t attending the event, best to stay away from the destination during this time as there are sure to be enthusiastic crowds!

MASTERS IN AUGUSTA

Join the pros at the Augusta Golf Tournament, held in April at the Augusta National Golf Club in Georgia. Founded by Bobby Jones in 1933, it’s a dream for every avid golfer everywhere, and rival only to the Old Course at St. Andrews. Watch the greatest golfers in the world as they plan on the emerald green. Combine the event with a few relaxing days at the nearby Ritz-Carlton Lodge, with its gorgeous lake villas or Mediterranean style lodge villas around the stunning Lake Oconee. Put the ball on the famous Great Waters Course, a 7,073 yard, par-72 layout course that hosted the 41st PGA Professional National Championship in 2008.

Dates: April 11-14, 2013

THE KENTUCKY DERBY

Kensington Tours hosts guests during the Kentucky Derby in Louisville. Take your reserved seat in the most famous horse race in the United States, and root for your winning stallion amid the mighty roar of the crowd. Tours are tiered based on seats at Churchill Downs—from Clubhouse Seating, Grandstands, Grandstands Orange to the luxurious VIP Suites. Arrangements are full customizable, and can include transfers, shuttles, accommodation, upgraded tickets, bourbon distillery tours and horse farm tours.

Dates: May 4, 2013

ALBUQUERQUE BALLOON FIESTA

New Mexico hosts one of the world’s most photographed events in October. Join Collette or Globus on a tour of sound and color. Enjoy the incredible mass ascension and race as the colorful balloons take off. At night, the balloons burn fires during the Balloon Glow and follow up with a fireworks show. Go on a balloon ride yourself on the Sandia Peak Tram, the world’s longest aerial tramway. In addition to the main event, your hosts will take you through the unique markets and streets of Albuquerque and Santa Fe. Visit the International Balloon Museum, the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center and the beautiful Turquoise Trail.

Dates: October 5-13, 2013

TOURNAMENT OF ROSES

Pasadena holds their famous Tournament of Roses annually in winter. Be up-close and personal in the parade on a reserved seat and get a sneek-peek of final touches on the gargantuan floats. Celebrate the season with New Year’s Eve Gala dinner dance with live entertainment and champagne. Afterwards, enjoy a farewell dinner on board the RMS Queen Mary, or take a guided tour through the Getty Museum or the Ronald Regan Presidential Library.

Dates: December, 2013

BRAZIL WORLD CUP

The 20th FIFA World Cup will be a soccer (for our international readers, football) tournament hosted in Brazil in 2014. As the first World Cup held in South America since Argentina’s in 1978, the continent is understandably excited and already making plans. Kensington Tours have created an exclusive collection of customizable Brazil tours around your soccer experience that are based out of Rio de Janeiro. Transport yourself to the heart of history on Brazilian soil. Pair with a destination expert. Explore natural beaches, rainforest safaris and cultural highlights. Be part of football history. You can even follow your team around the country as they race to the championship.

NEW! Opening April 5, 2013 is America’s first Legoland® Hotel, located in Carlsbad, California! Here your family can stay in the creative and lively world of LEGO®, with its 250 guest rooms, themed rooms, and a family pool. Book a stay at Legoland® Hotel and enjoy the attractions at the Legoland® California Resort. The three-story hotel will be located just to the right of the resort’s entrance, and a stay comes with exclusive early admission to the rides and waterslides!

All Rooms include two separate sleeping areas, queen size bed for grown-ups and separate area for up to three little ones, complete with bunk bed, pull-out trundle bed and their very own TV. Each room comes with a treasure hunt that will lead the way to a secret chest of Lego bounty. Choose from one of three popular lines—pirate, kingdom or adventure. Will you be a first mate hunting for your hidden gold? Or a daring young explorer battling scorpions and lizards to the “X” that marks the spot? Or perhaps you will don your crown and colors to discover the dragon’s horde. You also have the option to upgrade to a premium room, which includes extra theming and Lego features in your room, and an extra Lego gift for each child in the in-room treasure chest!

All Guest rooms include:

– Exclusive early admission to Legoland® California

– Queen bed

– Flat panel TV

– In-room treasure hunt with LEGO prize

– LEGO brick to build with during your stay

– AC

– Mini fridge

– Coffee maker

– Vanity/work station

– Complimentary wifi

– Hairdryer and toiletries

Packages are now available for you and your family! We’ve booked families in and around San Diego for fun vacations at Legoland and SeaWorld. Book with Willamette International Travel today!

Our client Larry Cerotsky celebrated his 60th birthday ago by heading to Disney’s California Adventure® Park with his wife, 2 children and 4 grandkids. They stayed at the Disneyland® Hotel and were there for the grand opening of Cars Land! Inspired by the 2006 Pixar film, Cars, Cars Land is 12 acres and includes rides like Radiator Springs Racers, Mater’s Junkyard Jamboree, Luigi’s FlyingTires, as well as a number of restaurants. See what Larry’s daughter Darci had to say:

“We had a great time in Disneyland. Everyone had a blast!! The crowds were not bad in Disneyland until the day that we left. It was definitely much more crowded than the other days. It was nice though because the crowds made it much easier to leave. Cars Land was really cute. It looks exactly like the movie. The radiator springs racer ride was fun. We only went on it once…….we stood in line for 2 hours & 15 minutes. We also went on the tractor ride….that was fun as well. The wait for that was about 40 minutes. Every so often Mater and Lightning Mcqueen would drive thru the streets. Yeah……Dad was definitely surprised by the limo. It was fun……..it was a great way to end the vacation!!”

Interested in booking a vacation at any of the Disneyland® Parks? Come check out the new Cars Land in California! Email us at info@wittravel.com or call toll-free at 800.821.0401.